Mary Jane Wallace, 83, secretary, church member
GHENT—Mary Jane Wallace, 83, of Hudson, passed away Sunday, June 26, 2011 at Whittier Nursing Home in Ghent.
Born in Ballston Spa, May 1, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Edward F. and Ruth Ann (Whalen) Undermark.
Mrs. Wallace was a secretary for the City of Hudson Treasurer’s Office for more than 30 years. She also worked for the New York Telephone Company. She was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Hudson, the Catholic Daughters and participated in the choir. She was also a member, and treasurer, of the Hudson Elk’s Ladies Auxiliary.
Surviving are two daughters, Meg Loadholt of Boston, MA and Jacqueline Equite of Pasadena, CA, and five grandchildren, Ashleigh, Zachary, and Jason Loadholt, Bailey and Mackenzie Equite.
She was predeceased by her husband, John V. Wallace.
There will be no calling hours.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 30 at St. Mary’s Church, 429 East Allen Street, Hudson.
Interment will be in Cedar Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the United Order of True Sisters #66, 45 Capital Place, Rensselaer 12144.
Arrangements are with the Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home. To leave condolences for the family go to www.batesanderson.com.
Lara Cressey, 57, free spirit, artist
HUDSON—Lara Cressey, 57, of Tannersville, passed away peacefully Sunday, June 26, 2011, surrounded by her loving family at Columbia Memorial Hospital.
She was born in St. Paul, MN in 1953 to Phyllis Elli and the late Duane McGough.
In the 1970s, she moved to the East Coast where she lived many years in Springfield, MA and New London, CT. During these years, Ms. Cressey enjoyed many artistic ventures. She was an active musician, writer, actress in local theater groups and a painter. She was an avid reader, gardener, and became very fond of the Hudson Valley, where she spent the last two decades of her life.
Ms. Cressey’s proudest accomplishment were her four sons, who survive her, Brian Albano of New London, Christopher Albano of Springfield and Quentin and Cody Wills, both of Groton, CT. She also leaves behind a grandson, D.J. Albano of Springfield; a daughter-in-law, Michelle Montavon of New London; and her mother, Phyllis Elli of AZ.
Ms. Cressey was a wonderful woman, a true free-spirit and she will be deeply missed.
Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. To send online condolences visit www.batesanderson.com.
Robert “Bob” Dykeman, 75, repaired cars, outdoorsman
COPAKE—Robert John “Bob” Dykeman died June 27, 2011 after a long illness.
He was born September 7, 1935 at Great Barrington Hospital to William Dykeman and Sarah Glynn. He graduated from Roeliff Jansen High School in 1953 and served in the U. S. Army in Kaiserslautern, Germany as a military police officer from 1958 to 1962.
On June 24, 1962, Mr. Dykeman married his childhood sweetheart, Josephine Rogers.
He spent more than 40 years repairing and servicing cars at what would eventually become Dykeman’s Garage, originally an Esso, then an Exxon, and finally a Citgo service station.
Mr. Dykeman sold the garage in 1993. He received thank-you notes and good wishes from clients far and wide, who had relied upon his skill, professionalism and good humor for so many years.
An avid outdoorsman with a passion for hunting and fishing, he had a profound appreciation for Columbia County’s woods, hills and streams. He was a lifelong member of the Oxbow Club in Hillsdale.
He was predeceased by his wife, Josephine and his brother, James Dykeman.
He is survived by: sons, Robert W. Dykeman of Craryville and Paul J. Dykeman of Jackson, WY; daughters-in-law, Ellen Losa Dykeman and Pauline Towers-Dykeman; three grandchildren, Chase, Paige and Trey Dykeman; his step-sister, Mary Jane Bingham; brother-in-law, Carl Bingham; sister-in-law, Betty Dykeman; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A remembrance gathering will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 9 at the Copake Park Building. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Community Hospice of Columbia-Greene, 47 Liberty Street, Catskill 12414 and/or Taconic Hills Little League, P.O. Box 743, Copake 12516.